Just a short post cause I just want to pen down some thoughts about Henry leaving Arsenal.

Being an avid Arsenal Fc fan, I cannot help but feel a tinge of sadness when I heard news that our talismanic striker and club captain, Thierry Henry left Arsenal to join Barcelona. For 8 great years, Henry served the club extremely well and statistics about the player speak for themselves. But its not only just about the quantity of goals he scores every season which makes him such a special player. Its also due to his knack of scoring the kind of goals which constantly take your breath away and want to watch replays of it over and over again.

Just search his name on Youtube or any other video sharing websites and you'll see tons of videos showcasing his goals. Someone once said about another Arsenal Legend Dennis Bergkamp that "there are many great goalscorers but few scorer of great goals", implying that Bergkamp was the latter (which incidentally, he was). However it would not be an exaggeration to suggest that Henry, was both, i.e. A great goalscorer of great goals. Few would forget the wonderful flick and volleyed goal against Manchester Utd, or the wonderful solo run & goal against Tottenham Hotspur, or the unbelievably cheeky way he turned Carlo Cuducini to score against Chelsea. I could name many others but it would take too long and frankly one cannot deign to appreciate the true beauty of the goals just by reading words of admiration.

His emergance from a gangly awkward winger from France to a world-class striker has spawned a slew of other players trying to imitate his playing style, all with varying amount of success. How many times have we read or heard rave reviews about young players being compared to Henry. Phrases like "The next Thierry Henry", or "similar to Thierry Henry" appear all too often but it only serves as testament to what a great player he is. The fact is, there will never be another Henry, such is his uniquenes and quality. The way he tore and terrorized defences, the way he graced the soccer pitch, his magnetic close control, the audacious flicks and tricks, the lightning pace and of course the arrogance of a gifted player who knew he was the best made him who he is: A soccer legend in every sense of the word.

The fans know him as a humble person off the pitch, staying out of trouble and being very obliging to autograph seekers. He was a superstar, yet he maintained a low profile and sought only to improve his skills and his game. Opposing fans respected him for the man he is, and feared the man he would become on the pitch. Both opposition fans and players alike acknowledged his skill, his contribution to the footballing world and his craft and genuis left both fans and players in awe.

Thanks Thierry, for all the great timeless moments which helped shaped the club to what it is today. I have no doubt you'll make an impact for Barcelona. However, given the nature of your exit from the club, and that the club you left to join is Arsenal's European rival, I would be lying if I wished you good luck in your future endeavours, especially in your quest for that elusive european title. I will remember what you did, but will not look forward to what you'll do.

Whatever it is, Arsenal will always remember you as King Henry, one of the greatest players of the club.

A fitting tribute video to Thierry during his time at Arsenal. Not made by me, but its very good.
Thierry Henry: A Arsenal Legend